Auburn University holding Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign in April

AUBURN – Auburn University will hold its sixth annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign in April to raise public awareness about sexual violence and ways to prevent it.

The Women’s Resource Center, a division of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, will partner with Health Promotions and Wellness Services to spearhead this year’s campaign and to host a series of events throughout the month. Events will be coordinated by a student task force led by campaign co-chairs Mary Isbell and Finley Hurth.

This year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month events are open to all students, faculty, staff and members of the community. Each event will cover a different topic concerning sexual assault and violence in relationships.

The Red Flag Campaign, April 4-5, will bring awareness about “red flags,” or warning indicators, of dating violence. A collection of red flags displayed each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Cater Lawn and elsewhere on campus will carry messages to help students recognize possible dating issues such as coercion, sexual assault, stalking and emotional abuse.

The interactive These Hands Don’t Hurt project will be held on the Haley Center Concourse, April 9-11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. By placing a painted hand print and signature on a display, participants will be making a pledge not to use their hands to hurt others.

The two-day Clothesline Project, April 18-19, will provide a way for individuals affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating T-shirts that will be displayed on a clothesline. T-shirts will be provided on Cater Lawn from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of student organizations will be on hand to provide additional information.

Auburn will close its campaign April 19 with Take Back the Night, with participants gathering at 6:30 p.m. on Cater Lawn for a march around a portion of the Auburn campus. A rally will follow during which the issue of violence and sexual assault against women will be addressed. During a candlelight vigil, attendees will have an opportunity to share their personal stories and experiences.

For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, go to www.auburn.edu/wrc and click on the SAAM graphic located on the homepage. Contact Mary Isbell at mki0001@tigermail.auburn.edu or (334) 844-4378 with questions.